Is birth ptsd a thing?

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twoundertwo89 wrote:

I'm like 95% sure I'm refusing to accept that I'm pregnant because I am already freaking out about birthing another baby. We had a fairly traumatic birth story and I just want everything to go better this time. Any else feeling this way?

Picture of baby #1, in a hospital 30 miles from where I was stuck with stroke level blood pressure and an infected incision. But she turned out so perfect!

I think that it is a thing! Not speaking from personal experience but my sister had a very traumatic experience during her first delivery which she carried with her during her second pregnancy. Both babies turned out perfect and are thriving as well but it’s something that stayed with her! I hope that this time around is much better for you.

I had a traumatic delivery with my first. So I was pretty nervous with my second but I had the easiest delivery. I got to push her out myself and recovery was a breeze! I’m hoping this one is just as easy. Hopefully this one is easier for you too! Every delivery is different.

It is ABSOLUTELY a thing. I did not have this experience, but this is SO common, and people don't talk about it, especially in the US where our healthcare, postpartum care, etc. is abysmal. Please, please talk to someone if you need to. Pre-natal anxiety and depression are also very common in subsequent pregnancies after a traumatic first birth so if you feel off, definitely talk to your provider.

my first experience was not as bad as what you’ve been thru- I got a spinal headache after it took 4 attempts to get the epidural in and had to get two blood patches during my daughters first week. This was a big concern for me during my second pregnancy but I talked with our drs and nurses and I got an anesthesiologist consult, got an epi with an x Ray with my second and everything went smoothly. I think I would be very honest about your concerns with your dr they may have specialists you can talk to who can brainstorm your anxieties- it helped me soooo much! Best of luck!

My first birth was traumatic. I labored 24 hours but my son could not descend even though I dilated to 10cm. (I am small. He was huge, with a HUGE head.) My blood pressure started spiking which I still believe was due to fear and stress from him not coming down (bloodwork ruled out preeclampsia, but I was definitely panicking and my nurse was very gruff with me and kept telling me to stop talking, as if that would lower my BP). Cervix started swelling, my body was exhausted... ended up with an unplanned c-section. Was totally wiped out afterwards.

Second baby was a planned repeat cesarean and it went SO much better. Very calm, uncomplicated experience. Daughter had great APGARs. I am all about the planned c-sections. It's different for everyone, but for me personally I never want to experience labor again.

Just know that you can have an emotionally healing experience with a subsequent birth.

Yes!!! It HAS to be. I had a horrific 1st birth experience. Worst 26 hours in my life. Every moment I was alone or tried to sleep I kept reliving it over and over. I really should of talked to my doctor about it. I kept telling people I had ptsd from birth, and they would laugh... but I was serious!

I had my second son 3 years after. I was SO scared. I remember walking into the hospital in labor and just wanting to run or be knocked out or something. I was petrified.

BUT... it was a totally different experience!! It was a ‘normal’ birth in half the time! 😃

I would just say, every birth is completely different. Just because it was horrific the first time doesn’t mean it will be this time. Talk to your doctor about anything that can be done to have an opposite experience this time around. Maybe that will help you feel more at ease as it goes.

Yes. My sons delivery was traumatic and it made me question whether I want a third baby. I can’t bear the idea of going through it again. He was perfectly fine- as was I, but emotionally it was very bad on me. Suffered from depression for sure but I do believe I suffered ptsd for awhile too. I’m so scared of it happening again.

I am currently 9 weeks and we haven’t told anyone since I am “not excited” yet. I have a 5 year old and a 3 year old and this was pretty unexpected. My life with my two is just completely crazy...lol. Also, I had two horrible pregnancies where i was on bed rest by 26 weeks, and not only am I not mentally prepared for life as a mom of 3 but I keep telling myself I don’t know if my body can handle it. I think I may be better once I go to the doctor on Friday, but I feel horrible they I’m not excited. I’m not upset, but I don’t want to have people congratulating me yet because I feel like my response will be “yeah I’m good” 🤷‍♀️ my husband wants to tell our families and our kids, but i just am not ready yet. I feel like a horrible person.

After I gave birth in the car otw to the hospital, the birthing experience was never the same again. My last labor experience was about 3 hours total of severe pain. During this timed I asked the nurses to admit me and give me meds, as I have precipitous labors. They said there was no way of telling that I was in labor since I hadn't dilated past a 4 and my contractions weren't that regular. I labored in the waiting room and was in transition when I started crying and panicking and begging to be admitted. They said they would need to check me and after an excruciating check, they told me I was still not beyond a 4 and still couldn't tell if I was really in labor. They wheeled me into another room howling like a mating cat, and I gave birth without them noticing. I had a panic attack when I found out I was pregnant again. I just want pain relief this time.. I'm so scared.

OMG I am so sorry the medical staff didn't take you seriously!! That's awful!! Glad baby arrive safely though. I hope they'll listen to you this time around. Make sure you talk with your doc about it up front.

I totally get it. My daughter was delivered with forceps which caused brain bleeds on both sides of her head, seizures, and landed us 16 days in the NICU at Vanderbilt and almost 2 years of daily seizure medicine. She is perfectly healthy now, thank God. My new doctor will NOT come within 100 feet of me with forceps!!!! I can guarantee!!!

I'm sure it is. I know of one really bad story I heard when I was in school, where the woman supposedly got put under for an emergency c-section and she could still feel everything. She couldn't speak or move to stop them, but she could feel them doing the operation. I didn't know her personally, but she was a teacher and told every class that story. I wouldn't say I have ptsd from my previous birth, but it was hard and scary and painful enough that I do plan on asking about a planned c section this time. I sure as heck don't want to go through that again if I don't have to.

yeah it’s a thing!!! My DD was delivered at 31 weeks and 6 days by C section due to IUGR and spent 2 months in the NICU. I always felt she was basically cut out of my body so long before she was ready (even though it was medically necessary)! 😭. So yes - trauma trauma and now anxiety paired with the previous trauma. Normal for you considering your story as well! Seek counseling though, to help. Consider EMDR!

My best friend was so traumatized by her birthing experience, she won’t have another one. Her son is 13 (she had him at 17) and he’s a great, bright kid, but she’s too scared of birth to even consider it again.

it’s real! Have you considered talking with a therapist? It’s a great way to “process” a lot of the unresolved emotions and reactions that come after a traumatic experience. He or she can also help you work on coping skills and grounding techniques to reduce the anxiety you might be experiencing in anticipation of the birth of your next little one. There are some good apps out there too that focus on mindfulness and deep breathing exercises. Anxiety and fear really sucks, and it can wreak havoc on our bodies physically as well as mentally, so I think it’s important to be aware of, especially during pregnancy. Just posting here shows you have really good insight into how your previous birth experience has affected you, that’s good! So know that you are capable of conquering this and whatever lies ahead.